These selected works explore connections between communities, programs, facades, building systems, and even time. The end goal of these connections is to foster comfort in an unique, aesthetically pleasing way. The projects push the bounds of normality to create sustainable and creative solutions to contemporary problems.
Professor Name: Jenny Meakins Timeframe: Third Year University: Kent State University Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Through visiting and learning about the East Cleveland community, I developed an adaptive resuse proposal for the old Case Elementary school. I determined that it should benefit the area’s children, the families, and artistic culture. The design transforms the building into a multimedia art center, with areas for both children and professional artists.
The drawing depicts a child’s path through the building utilizing the playscape.
Professor Name: Frederick Lucak Timeframe: Fourth Year University: Kent State University Location: San Francisco, California
The design utilized an integrated design approach to resolve various systems in the architectural process. These include structural composition, material assemblies, and aesthetics. The proposed building needed to accommodate a grocery store, as well as an affordable housing development. The design aims to take a holistic approach to the architectural process by consolidating more technical systems with aesthetic considerations early on in the design process.
The roof of the grocery store and the roof of cafe amoeba are composed of pre-cast concrete, supported by columns and shear walls.
The upper residential utilize steel columns and beams, with a concrete slab resting on top. Shear walls are placed around the fire stairs and at other key points. The entire structure is reinforced by large cross beams.
Professor Name: Paola Giaconia Timeframe: Second Year University: Kent State University Location: Florence, Italy 03
The proposed building is located in the Piazza dei Ciompi, home of the Loggia dei Pesce. The site needed to accommodate four programmatic spaces: a cafe, a gallery, a library, and a kindergarten. The design process rested on three fundamental principles: conserving public space, maximizing views of the Loggia, and separating distinct public space.
The square was originally a public square. To retain public area, the entire building is walkable, creating a flow between interior spaces and the Florentine environment.
This design centered on the four programs being separate, but able to interact at key points.
The glass facade reflects the surrounding Italian buildings and sky during the day, while providing occupants with copious views
Site Axon Cafe Library Kindergarden Gallery
The kindergarten has its own entrance into the library. The private vertical circulation corridor opens directly into the Children’s Library.
Kindergarten Classrooms and Playroom Cafe
Contained behind the offices on the first level.
Professor Name: Paola Giaconia Timeframe: Third Year University: Kent State University Location: Florence, Italy
The proposed project rests on the bank of the Arno River. The site currently contains a cafe and a community center, in a dilapidated structure nested in the side of the Torrino of Santa Rosa. The design aims to revitalize the bank with new structures to house the current programs, while increasing accessibility, and maximizing views of the river.
Two bike paths stretch across the site.. These paths join at the ends, creating a looped trail around the site. Two staircases connect the city to the river, along with an amphitheater and canoe drop-off dock.
3. Canoe Storage/Shop
2. Community Classroom Lobby
1. Community Classroom
4. Public Restroom
Professor Name: Andrew Miller Timeframe: Second Year University: Kent State University
The design aim was to utilize the program Grasshopper to create both a structural figure and to populate the surrounding landscape. Then I employed Blender to simulate the passage of time, and postulate what the landscape would look like if the area was deserted.
The design aim was to utilize the program Grasshopper to create both a sculptural figure and to populate the surrounding landscape.
Current Landscape
Then I employed Blender to simulate the passage of time, and postulate what the landscape would look like if the area was deserted.
The absence of humans allows new life to be breathed into the area.
The rectangular stone forms are blanketed in a layer of moss. Plant life peeks through the landscape. Trees show the passage of time with new growth. Color and life are breathed into the area.
Aged Landscape